6 Christmas Movie Classics

The Best Christmas Movies For Everyone

Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without classic Christmas movies to watch with family and friends during the fun, festive season. When How the Grinch Stole Christmas or Miracle on 34th Street comes on television, for example, it’s often a nostalgic signal that yes, the holidays are truly here. During the time of year when we most want to reflect, give gifts and give thanks, we often get caught up in the chaos of buying presents, planning parties and organizing family gatherings. Sitting down with a movie, some hot chocolate and a few presents to wrap is often the perfect way to unwind and reconnect with the real warmth and meaning of the Christmas season. Here’s an updated Christmas movie list of holiday must-sees, including old classics and new favorites. You’ll find laugh-out-loud selections, touching moments and kid-friendly fare, sometimes all in the same movie. This grab-bag assortment of Christmas movies is sure to have something for everyone, including adults and kids, Scrooges and Grinches alike!

A Christmas CarolOver the years, this short novel by Charles Dickens has been made into several dozen films, with a handful of those being widely known and loved. The popularity of this story for film fodder is due to its universal themes of love, charity, compassion and forgiveness, set against a Christmastime backdrop. In many ways, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation is the ultimate Christmas story. The archetypal character of Scrooge, the crabby, stingy, old miser, goes through a radical and redemptive change, brought about fully by the spirit of Christmas. Any adaptation of A Christmas Carol is an inspiring and classic choice as far as holiday films go.

For a family activity idea, rent two film versions of A Christmas Carol and watch them with your family on consecutive days. Ask younger kids which film had the meaner Scrooge and why. Ask older children and teenagers which version of the two Christmas movies they preferred. Talking about the movies can facilitate some really interesting discussions with your spouse, children and other family members about the meaning of Christmas, without seeming forced or awkward. Why not take the time this Christmas season to really engage with your loved ones and talk about what’s truly important?

A Christmas StoryWhat Christmas would be complete without Ralphie Parker, his Red Ryder BB Gun and a lamp in the shape of a woman’s leg? If these references don’t ring a bell, you’ll have to watch the movie to find out. Ralphie, the downtrodden boy hero of A Christmas Story, is an immediately lovable and sympathetic figure, and his misadventures are the perfect lighthearted movie choice if you have a mixed group of kids and adults who’d all like a laugh. The one thing Ralphie wants more than anything in the world for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB Gun, and much of the movie focuses on his attempts to convince his parents how important this gift is to him. The secondary movie plots involve constant holiday mayhem that will keep your whole family cackling with glee.

How the Grinch Stole ChristmasBased on one of Dr. Seuss’ most beloved books, this animated film was first aired in 1966, and it’s one of those children’s Christmas movies that adults often love more than kids! The Grinch, a fantastical caricature of Dickens’ Scrooge, is an ill-tempered, furry green creature who lives in a cave on Mount Crumpet, which overlooks the town of Whoville. The Whos of Whoville love Christmas and the Grinch grows jealous and bitter watching their boisterous celebrations. Although at the beginning he appears to be an evil, heartless villain, stealing the Whos’ gifts and decorations, as the movie progresses his icy heart melts and grows, the Whos forgive him and he is welcomed into their midst.

Home AloneThis Christmas movie hall-of-famer is especially popular with kids, as the main character is a kid named Kevin who manages to outsmart a series of bumbling adults in some very creative ways! When Kevin’s entire family accidentally leaves him behind in their rush to catch a flight to Paris for Christmas, he finds himself alone in a big house, frightened at first, but then exhilarated at the prospect of freedom from all those pesky grownups telling him what to do. A neighborhood accident leaves the phone lines temporarily disabled, so once Kevin’s family realizes what’s happened, they can’t get in touch with him.

During his few days free from adult influence, Kevin eats what he wants, stays up as late as he wants to, goes through his bullying older brother’s belongings and outsmarts the Wet Bandits, a couple of thieves who are determined to break into his house.

He devises ingenious booby traps using toys, appliances, tools from his dad’s workshop, and other odds and ends from around the house. Laugh after laugh ensues as the burglars are repeatedly walloped by Kevin’s contraptions. Kevin also manages to make a Christmas-inspired connection with the old man who lives across the street, a Scrooge-like figure who previously terrified Kevin and the neighborhood kids. The family eventually makes it back home just in time for Christmas, much to the relief of Kevin and his mom in particular. The amazing cast of this movie includes Joe Pesci, Catherine O’Hara and Macauley Culkin, and the original score perfectly accents the action all along the way.

Double the fun: Watch the original Home Alone movie on Christmas Eve, and then enjoy the equally adorable Home Alone 2: Lost in New York on Christmas Day. See how long it takes for the lovely sentiment “Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal” to catch on at your house!

Miracle on 34th StreetThis 1947 film stands up for the unapologetic magic of Christmastime, and is a beautiful example of a classic American holiday film. With it’s winning cast, crisp screenplay and original premise, it’s no wonder that Miracle on 34th Street won three Academy Awards. The gorgeous Maureen O’Hara plays Doris Walker, an executive for Macy’s department store, and she hires a man named Kris Kringle to be the Macy’s Santa Claus. What she doesn’t know and finds out soon enough is that the gentle, engaging Mr. Kringle believes he actually is Santa Claus! Doris’ daughter, played by a young Natalie Wood, doesn’t believe that Santa Claus exists, much less that Kris Kringle is the man himself. The conversations between her and Kris are some of the sweetest, most touching moments in any Christmas movies.

National Lampoon’s Christmas VacationAre you in the mood for some hysterical holiday laughter? Though perhaps not appropriate for kids, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is just the ticket if you want a real everything-goes-wrong Christmas movie. Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, is the hapless, Christmas-loving dad who wants more than anything to provide his family with the most impressive, picture-perfect holiday ever. Despite repeated setbacks, bodily injury, property damage and ridiculously annoying family members, Clark perseveres. This is one of those Christmas movies that’s great for decompressing after a maddening day at the mall buying gifts and grappling for parking spaces.

While the holidays are ultimately intended to be an enjoyable time of reflection and celebration, it’s easy to get caught up in all the extra activity. Sometimes there’s nothing like a Christmas classic or a newly released Christmas comedy to help you shake it all off and reconnect with those around you. Share the Christmas movies you loved as a child with your own kids. Lots of families have the tradition of watching a special holiday movie together every year. What does your family think is the best Christmas movie ever? So set out the cookies and milk for Santa (set some aside for you!) and treat yourself to a holiday movie marathon!

Do You Know Your Christmas Trivia?Are you prepared when the holidays roll around or do you experience panic year after year during the hustle and bustle of the December days? Getting ready for festivities can put you in the mood to turn on music, pull out the decorations and be jolly, but how well do you really know your holiday triva? From trimming the tree and feasting to shopping, these holiday questions get you in the spirit with helpful hints not meant for Scrooge.

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